Hikes for Fall Colors

Fall is the perfect time to head outside and explore the trails around LaPorte. Crisp air, colorful leaves, and quiet paths make every hike a little more special this season. From short loops to longer wooded walks, these local spots show off some of the best fall scenery in the area.

Creek Ridge County Park Loop

Distance / Difficulty: ~1.2 miles, Easy

Trailhead: Creek Ridge County Park main parking area. Loop trail begins there.

Gentle walk through forested areas; good for knowing where leaves are thick and colorful without much effort.

Bluhm County Park Trails

Distance / Difficulty: Varies depending on trail; easy to moderate.

Trailhead: Bluhm County Park, Westville, IN. Trails loop through wooded areas.

Lots of mixed forest; good canopy coverage so you’ll get deep reds, oranges, and yellows. Less crowded, so more peaceful fall photo opportunities.

Soldiers Memorial Park

Distance / Difficulty: ~4.4 miles loop. Moderate

Trailhead: Trailhead parking off Lakeshore Drive, roughly 0.25 mile northeast of Orchard Avenue in Soldiers Memorial Park.

The wooded portions are dense; trails are twisting and cover a lot of tree-canopy which makes for dramatic fall light + leaf cover.

Red Mill County Park & MTB Trails

Distance / Difficulty: ~1.9 miles loop for main walking path; more if you include the mountain bike trail segments. Easy to Moderate

Trailhead: Red Mill County Park, Holmesville Rd, LaPorte, IN. Trailheads at paved parking near entrance.

Mix of woods and open areas; in fall you get color from both forest edges and larger trees, plus good views across wetland/open areas which reflect color.

Chessie Trail (Multi-Use Path)

Distance / Difficulty:~1.5 miles; Easy walking / biking path

Trailhead: Trailhead: Kiwanis-Teledyne Park, east shore of Pine Lake (off Pine Lake Ave), leading to NewPorte Landing.

Good option for a lighter fall walk with lake views; trees along lake and shoreline reflect color, nice open/edge views which contrast well with denser woods.

Flora Richardson Preserve Trails (N & S Loops)

Distance / Difficulty: ~2.3 miles combined North & South Loops; Easy

Trailhead: Flora Richardson Preserve, off Hwy 35. Parking and access via Pawnee Trail.

Quiet, tucked-in forest trails; mostly shaded and wooded so fall colors are intense. Great for bird-watching, slower walks, and being in nature without a lot of other people.